Correlates of dementia attitudes in a sample of middle-aged Australian adults

Aims To examine sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes regarding dementia. Method A cross‐sectional, convenience sample of 616 adults aged 40–65 years completed an online survey examining sociodemographic factors and dementia attitudes. The associations between sociodemographic variables...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australasian journal on ageing 2014-09, Vol.33 (3), p.158-163
Main Authors: Phillipson, Lyn, Magee, Christopher A, Jones, Sandra C, Skladzien, Ellen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
attitude
Attitudes
Australia
Avoidance
Cross-Sectional Studies
dementia
Dementia - psychology
demographic factors
Educational Status
Fear
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Internet
Linear Models
Male
Males
Middle Aged
Middle Aged Adults
Prejudice
Public Opinion
Senility
Sex Education
Sex Factors
social stigma
Sociodemographic Factors
Stereotyping
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Aims To examine sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes regarding dementia. Method A cross‐sectional, convenience sample of 616 adults aged 40–65 years completed an online survey examining sociodemographic factors and dementia attitudes. The associations between sociodemographic variables and dementia attitudes were examined using general linear modelling. Results Four attitudinal factors were identified. Three were associated with negative attitudes (Personal Avoidance, Fear of Labelling and Fear of Discrimination) and one with more positive attitudes (Person Centredness). Demographic factors (e.g. age, sex, education) were significantly associated with some attitudinal factors. For example, men (P = 0.001) and individuals with lower education levels (P = 0.03) had higher scores on the Personal Avoidance factor. Conclusions This study is the first to examine correlates of attitudes towards dementia in an Australian sample. Future research could improve understanding of distinct factors associated with dementia and lead to strategies to reduce stigmatised views of people with dementia in the community.
ISSN:1440-6381
1741-6612
DOI:10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00624.x